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Faces of Stroke Ambassadors: Pamela and Diana

Watch Pamela and Diana’s video and learn why raising awareness about stroke is important to them.

Pamela Wooden, 58, began experiencing transient ischemic attacks (TIAs) in 2002. A TIA is a mini-stroke, with symptoms often lasting less than 24 hours before disappearing. Pamela’s TIA episodes continued for about a year and a half and appeared about once every three months. Left with questions about their cause, she was finally directed to a neurologist. An MRI revealed a blood clot in her brain and she was prescribed treatment.

TIA is a serious risk factor for stroke. And although she couldn’t control it, Pamela had two other risk factors for stroke: being a woman and being African-American.

Before her stroke, Diana worked in the IT department of a big company. She was busy with work and family, raising three sons. She loved going on school field trips and supporting her children by attending their sporting events. With her busy life, Diana didn’t always think of herself and her health. It is suspected that her stroke was caused by high blood pressure. Diana was also at risk for a stroke because of two factors she could not control: being female and African-American.

After her stroke, Diana’s right side was paralyzed and she couldn’t speak. Trouble with her vision kept her from an activity she loved: reading. Her recovery has been challenging and demanding, but she never gave up. Slowly she regained her ability to walk and speak. As a stroke survivor, she felt very alone, but through hard work and the love and support of her family, she has made amazing strides in her recovery. She continues to work hard on her recovery and is excited about reading again.

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